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Easy Innocence by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Posted by Jane on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Title: Easy Innocence by Libby Fischer Hellmann

In a departure from her Ellie Foreman mysteries Hellmann elevates a character from her previous novel to lead the investigation. Georgia Davis having been suspended from the police force is now an independent p.i. She is called upon to find evidence to exonerate an autistic man accused of murdering a high school girl. It turns out that the murder is connected to a hazing incident and the plot escalates from there. Suspenseful and engrossing despite some over the top plot turns, I hope to see Georgia in future novels.

Pershing : a Biography by Jim Lacey

Posted by Ray on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 4:42 PM

Title: Pershing : a Biography by Jim Lacey

Although by the nature of the events, the section detailing Gen. Pershing's movements in World War I are somewhat, well, detailed. However and overall, this books is a wonderful, intelligent, streamlined, story filled with great little stories and insights. Pershing's career covers such varied events of American history as the Indian Wars, the American chase of Poncho Villa into Mexico, the Spanish American War (and his amazing job of post-war pacification in the Phillippines) as well as the efforts in France during the Great War. Lacey shows conclusively Pershing was the right man at the right place at the right time for America. Having toured the Dawes House in Evanston, and learned that Pershing had visited there a number of times, I was pleased to learn how they met in Lincoln, Nebraska, at, of all things, law school. Recommended reading AND it is wonderfully short and lightweight. Fine companion for that plane flight (or at least waiting for it!).

Travel Writing by Peter Ferry

Posted by Jane on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 4:40 PM

Title: Travel Writing by Peter Ferry

Lake Forest High School teacher Pete Ferry witnesses a fatal automobile accident and feels guilty he didn't do anything to prevent it. He becomes obsessed with the victims life at the expense of how own relationships. Narrating his own story, fact and fiction start to blur. Blending humor with suspense this is both a fun and thoughtful read.

Killer View by Ridley Pearson

Posted by Jane on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 4:39 PM

Title: Killer View by Ridley Pearson

Set in Sun Valley, Idaho sheriff Walt Fleming receives an emergency call that a skier is missing. Instead of a missing skier Fleming finds the murdered body of a local vet. The investigation reveals a conspiracy in the valley involving the mysterious death of sheep and the kidnapped brother of the dead vet. This is an excellent page turning thriller.

The Walking Dead by Gerald Seymour

Posted by Jane on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 4:38 PM

Title: Walking Dead by Gerald Seymour

The Walking Dead, by Gerald Seymour. In a village in Saudi Arabia a young man is recruited to be a suicide bomber. His father reports him missing and that alerts authorities that something is afoot. In London tension is high at the possibility of an attack. Several characters in parallel stories populate this thriller and they all come together for a stunning conclusion. This novel is in the best tradition of John LeCarre.

Finding Nouf by Zoë Ferraris

Posted by Jane on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Title: Finding Nouf by Zoë Ferraris

Set in Saudi Arabia, sixteen year old Nouf about to be married, is missing. At first it is thought that she ran away but when her body is found in a wadi it becomes clear that she was murdered. Nayir, a trusted friend of Nouf's brother Othman, takes over the investigation with the help of Katya who not only works in the coroners office but is engaged to Othman. The mystery plays out against the backdrop of Saudi society which is fascinating.

Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Posted by Juli on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 4:15 PM

Title: Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin, the author of Something Borrowed has written another intelligent, chick lit novel. This one zeroes in on the seemingly perfect marriage of Ellen and Andy. When the reappearance of an old love sets a series of events in motion that cause Ellen to question that perfection, you know that a great summer read is in store.

All the Sad Young Literary Men by Keith Gessen

Posted by Juli on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 4:17 PM

Title: All the Sad Young Literary Men by Keith Gessen

All the Sad Young Literary Men is a sardonic look at a group of well-educated, young men who have everything but somehow can't quite get it together. Captured in a series of vignettes, Mark, Sam and Keith hover on the periphery of something great if only they could finish a dissertation, write a great novel or find real love. A sad, wry commentary on modern life and a new lost generation.

When We Get to Surf City by Bob Greene

Posted by Ray on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 4:07 PM

Title: When We Get to Surf City by Bob Greene

While Bob Greene is not currently the flavor of the month, this book was very good. You have to have at least some interest in Rock and Roll and have heard of Jan & Dean. Having heard of even Jan & Arnie (precursors to Jan & Dean), my interest was peaked and while never having read a Bob Greene book, and probably not a whole Bob Greene Column, I put a hold on this book and when it came, I wasn't disappointed. This book is about 330 pages of Bob Greene joining the latter day band for Jan & Dean's summer shows across the United States for some 15 years. Bob wouldn't play all the stops, but he would play a number, backing up singing and sometimes with the sound "on" for his guitar. He weaves the story of both the amazing experience of being with childhood favorites and visiting many, many towns, hotels, restaurants and stages across America. Frankie Avalon, Freddie Cannon, the Beach Boys and even Frank "Don't crease the trousers" Sinatra have cameos. Its a great glimpse into the lives of a rock and roll band (not all that high up on the ladder, but on the ladder nonetheless) touring the US summer after summer. It's filled with poignant moments and great songs.

Careless in Red by Elizabeth George

Posted by Jane on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 5:09 PM

Title: Careless in Red by Elizabeth George

Thomas Lynley is back! Devastated by the murder of his wife, Helen, Lynley is aimlessly hiking along the Cornwell coast when he comes upon a body. He is drawn reluctantly into the investigation and when the local police ask for help from Scotland Yard, Barbara Havers is dispatched. An intricate plot, peopled with great characters this is a great addition to the Lynley trove.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Posted by Juli on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 9:00 AM

Title: Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I loved this book from the first page to the last. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a wonderful novel narrated by Enzo an old soul in a dog's body. On the eve of his death, Enzo, who has been studying what it means to be human, shares his thoughts about life and his family. A gem.

Sitting Practice

Posted by Juli on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 6:51 PM

Title: Sitting Practice by Caroline Adderson

Sitting Practice is a book that takes a few twists as it explores marriage and intimacy. Ross and Iliana are the perfect newlyweds until a tragic accident destroys their idyllic life and leaves Iliana paralyzed from the waist down. How each responds to this tragedy and the resulting complications combine to form a stellar book club selection. There is a reading group guide to assist with the hard questions this novel evokes.

Beginner's Greek

Posted by Juli on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 3:38 PM

Title: Beginner's Greek by Jim Collins

Beginner's Greek is a sophisticated comedy of manners that places characters in the kinds of situations Jane Austen would cheer. This is a novel about chance meetings, missed opportunities and true love gone awry. You won't be able to set it down.

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

Posted by Jane on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 3:43 PM

Title: Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

Sixteen year old Adam is withdrawn and unresponsive and his best friend has committed suicide.. His grades are dropping and he has quit the hockey team. His parents, in desperation, install spy ware on his computer and cell phone. In tracking his movements they get drawn into a nightmare of conspiracy. At the same time, two women are brutally murdered. What is the connection? Page turning suspense makes this novel a quick read. It is at terrific thriller!

Olive Kitteridge : A Novel in Stories by Elizabeth Strout.

Posted by Jane on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Title: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Olive Kitteridge is a retired school teacher and therefore knows just about everything and everybody in Crosby, Maine. In spare, unflinching prose, the lives of her characters are exposed. You may not always like Olive but she is a commanding figure. This book is highly recommended. Strout's previous novel was Abide with Me.